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01/14/2008
Anti-gay critic: Why wait to 'Cher'?
We all know that Focus on the Family is misguidedly hostile towards the idea of loving and accepting your gay child. And we also know that they will protest any pro-gay TV show that encourages the same. However, they do usually at least extend us the courtesy of waiting until the program has aired before passing judgment about the content.
Well not so with the rumored Cher & Chastity Bono reality show, "Coming Out with Cher and Chas." Even though there is no sort of confirmation that the show does or ever will exist, FOF is already condemning its theoretical existence. Here's the organization's Jeff Johnston speaking to Citizenlink:
“Young people wrestling with issues of sexual attraction and identity need love and support, but they also need the truth,” said Jeff Johnston, gender issues analyst for Focus on the Family. “A television program like the one rumored would only increase the cultural confusion about sexuality, sexual identity and sexual attractions. It would encourage young people to question their sexual identity, to identify as gay or lesbian at earlier ages and to experiment with their sexual behavior.
“Focus’ Love Won Out Conferences give helpful tools for parents, pastors, family members and educators who want to understand this issue and respond biblically.”
Technorati Tags: Cher
Wow, Jeff. That's lots to glean simply from the idea that there may or may not be a show like this in the pipe! Hell, for all you know, Cher could go nutty during the filming of the first episode and spend the rest of the series trying to get Chas to "change." Maybe she'll even record some new "ex-gay"-supportive tunes. "Gypsies, Tramps, Thieves, & Former 'Mos," perhaps? "Half-gay," maybe? Or what about, "If I Could Turn Back TIme (I'd Have Never Followed My Biological Truth)" or "The Beat Goes On..but the Gayness Doesn't Have To"? She could become the (slightly altered) face and (slightly digitally enhanced) voice of the "ex-gay" community for all anyone knows!
The point is, Jeff, none of us have no way of knowing what's going to be put on the screen, yet your mind is already so closed off to any pro-gay ideas that you feel there's no reason to even pretend you are listening to the actual message. You guys have become so brazen in your self-appointed roles as the keepers of "truth" that you see no reason to show restraint. Your so eager to lend legitimacy to your scientifically-challenged, medically-unsupported, widely refuted "gays can change' notion that you start your protestations before there is even anything to protest. And the fact that you are so bothered by the idea of acceptance that you have to launch a preemptive strike -- well, that's really very telling, J-dog.
The Cher & Chas show, if it does happen, will most likely be unapologetically pro-gay, and could most likely help those struggling with accepting their gay children. Unfortunately, those who most need to hear the message will be the ones, like Mr. Johnston, who see no reason to listen.
TV Reality Show Adds to the Confusion about Sexuality [CitizenLink]
Your thoughts
Jeff Johnston: “Young people wrestling with issues of sexual attraction and identity need love and support, but they also need the truth,”
What is the definition of "truth" for people like Mr. Johnston? Specifically, what does "truth" mean for them in regards to homosexuality?
"Truth" clearly doesn't mean observable, scientifically documented fact. For Mr. Johnston and others associatied with groups like Focus on the Family it is much simpler than that: "Our understanding of the Bible = Truth."
I have no problem with the fact that they hold this opinion, but they need to make it clear when they lash out publically against cultural trends with which they disagree, that they do so because that thing is contrary to their beliefs and their understanding of the Bible.
Instead, groups like Focus arrogantly use "truth" to make is sounds as if others are lying or withholding the informatio from the public. Can they not accept that many people have different definitions of "truth" than the one to which they subscribe? For many GLBT people "truth" is accepting yourself for who you are. I don't claim that I have a monopoly on "truth," or that all my beliefs = "Truth." I wish Focus would show me and others like me that same courtesy.
Posted by: GayMormonBoy | Jan 14, 2008 11:32:57 PM
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